Ranger Prospect Dies in KHL Game

Ranger prospect, Alexi Cherepanov, died during a KHL game on Tuesday night. Cherepanov collapsed due to heart issues on the bench and died on route to the hospital.

Some issues with this story may make the KHL seem more like a cowboy league. The ambulance that was on call for the game apparently left before the game ended. Therefore, there was a 45 minute wait for the ambulance to return. Also, apparently the batteries in the defibrillator that was on site were not working. Other reports that are coming out say that Cherepanov was briefly revived and then was lost again.

All in all, this is a very sad story. But it brings up a point that may play into the NHL's favor. Is the KHL safe to play in? Not necessarily the fact that play is dirty, but the setup around the league may not be safe to play in. When the ambulance leaves early and some of the equipment may not work, would a player be able to handle putting his safety at risk to play for more money.